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some thoughts on politics

Despite the storm in UK politics recently, I’ve held back from sharing my views on the blog and social media. I’m not quite sure why – last year I was pretty emotionally open about it all on here. I made it clear I was pro-remain and vehemently anti-Trump and believe me, my silence this time round hasn’t meant any lack of political passion this year either.

So I’ll be honest with you now – I was nothing short of THRILLED that Labour won more seats in the election last week. I feel it’s a huge step towards a more compassionate society – one where everyone matters and where vital services like the NHS are protected. I also think it’s a huge slap in the face to Theresa May’s hard Brexit and the way she was pursuing it and, as someone who values togetherness and collaboration, I think that is a very good thing.

I love all the talk about the youth standing up to be counted, the thought that our population is more engaged and politically active and the belief that the hate-soaked tabloids are losing their power over the electorate. That last thought alone is enough to make me dance in the streets. There is much in all of this to celebrate.

But, man alive, what about this proposed Tory coalition with the DUP?!!!! Their party is sickeningly homophobic, denies climate change, wants to teach creationism as scientific fact, reintroduce the death penalty and is not only anti- abortion but wants to criminalise any one who offers or seeks advice about it. It beggars belief. And even though I can’t honestly see any of these beliefs radically impacting on policy (I have more faith in our Conservative MP’s than to think they would back-track on gay marriage or our right to choose etc – I hope I’m right on that) I think to allow the balance of power to lie with the DUP gives such abhorrent views a dangerous legitimacy.

I also understand there are grave concerns in Northern Ireland about how this could unsettle the peace process there. I can’t pretend to have much of an understanding in this area (although I’ve been doing a bit of reading this weekend) but I’ve heard this alliance called dangerous and irresponsible. There are rumblings in the Conservative party’s own ranks let alone in wider parliament.

Personally, I’d question the extent to which a minority Tory government propped up by the DUP could be genuinely representative of the views of the British people. I may be a lefty myself but I’ve spoken to Conservative voting friends over the weekend and they’re appalled by the DUP’s views too. All told, the coalition feels desperate and unsafe. To many it doesn’t even feel legitimate.

So where does that leave us? What’s going to happen next? Will we have a new Prime Minister by the end of the week? A date for another general election by the end of the month? An entirely new government by the end of the year? Who knows?!

Anyway, I thought I would share this drawing I did. It’s about sticking together to face whatever life throws at you. Braving the storm no matter what. I think we’re going to need to.

I agree this alliance is an awful match. It is very concerning that the Tories have chosen a regional party to shore themselves up especially with such a history in NI that could easily destabilise again. I really hope that it doesn’t mean we go back to fighting terrorism on that front too. It’s hard to believe that people hold those type of views that the DUP do in this day and age, although I know of other places in this country where similar things are expressed. Overcoming extreme views is going to be the challenge of our lifetimes I think.Alice @ The Filling Glass recently posted…Gratitude Journal May 2017 – Choice

I agree with you, Alice. Am currently interested in all the rumblings in the tory ranks and threats of rebellion. Think this is going to have to be a government of (at least some) compromises which I think is a lot better than where we were a few months ago, even if it does feel a bit all over the place! xxMaddy recently posted…some thoughts on politics

Thought provoking and articulate as always lovely Maddy, and a another wonderfully apt drawing. What will happen next indeed, is anyone’s guess really xxxRenee Davis recently posted…Guest Post: She Has a Name #SheHasAName

I was listening to the Bastille album with the kids on the school run this morning and when ‘Pompeii’ –
do you know it? – came on, it suddenly felt especially relevant. And I got all teared up (which tbh isn’t unusual these days)…

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above
But if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?

I didn’t know the song but I do now – thanks, Becky! I’m feeling optimistic too, even though I know things are unsettled and and LONG way from perfect. I think it’s because two months ago I felt pretty much hopeless about our political situation and had, since the EU Ref felt totally out of step with my country. Since the election I’ve got my hope back and no longer feel so alone. I feel like more people are being heard and more compromises being made. I don’t feel the same sense of disconnection I did. That said, there’s been some awful stuff happening the last month. These are definitely troubling times. xxMaddy recently posted…some thoughts on politics

I think the processing has turned into accepting that there’s constantly going to be crazy political shit going on all the time! (And that there’s not a lot I can do about it.) Instead I’m going to focus on my family and creating. So, mostly, I’m good. You take care too. I love what you’re creating at the moment with the cards. xx

I’m super impressed that you have Tory voting friends that you speak to about politics! I think I still have one Tory friend, but I don’t think we would stay that way if we talked of politics! Well done you. Someone has to do it.Cara recently posted…Wearing our colours: a poetry post

To be honest, I usually steer clear of politics with those who I know or suspect vote Tory but there are a couple who it is somehow possible to have conversations on the topic with. Perhaps cos the friendship can cope with a bit of anger! It’s weirdly made me feel better because when you know that people you like/respect/love vote Tory you know that voting that way doesn’t make someone a horrible person. That’s totally obvious really but things get so heated and polarised sometimes (especially on social media) that you could almost forget it. I’ve seen so much bile and I don’t want to be part of it. It’s too easy to get pulled into a fit of rage by a Daily Mail headline or horrible comment section (or it is for me!) and forget that most people are pretty decent really. Thanks for commenting, Cara xxMaddy recently posted…some thoughts on politics